The Ford School To p - r a n k e d p o l i c y s c h o o l . W o r l d - c l a s s u n i v e r s i t y.
Our Mission The Ford School at the University of Michigan is a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare diverse leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities’ and our world’s most pressing challenges.
Our Values We value community, integrity, respect, service, inclusion, diversity, and equity. We aspire for our work to be excellent, relevant, rigorous, collaborative, engaged, and impactful.
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Welcome I’m proud to lead the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. If you’re eager to lead, to find creative solutions, and to make a big impact on your communities, the Ford School is the right place for you—at the right time. We’re engaged in public policy at a critical time in our world’s history. Our challenges—climate change, pandemic, racism, threats to our democratic institutions, and so much more—are complex. And so our opportunities for impact are enormous. With a Ford School education, you could be leading the institutions and organizations that will shape our public policies for decades to come.
MICHAEL S. BARR
Our faculty are renowned teachers and experts who care deeply about the impact of their work. Our curriculum is rigorous, interdisciplinary, and
Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy Frank Murphy Collegiate Professor of Public Policy Roy F. and Jean Humphrey Proffitt Professor of Law
hands-on. Our students are diverse leaders who share a commitment to
Faculty director of the Center on Finance, Law,
the public good. Our University is one of the best in the world.
and Policy; Senior Fellow, Center for American
Thank you for your interest in the Ford School. Go Blue!
Progress; Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions, U.S. Department of the Treasury (2009-2010); a key architect of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
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4 7
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in social policy
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in health policy and management
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in public policy analysis
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in public affairs overall
Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2022
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Leaders grounded in service We prepare our students to find collaborative, creative solutions to complex challenges in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
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Rigorous master’s degrees Policy analysis: The Ford School is the nationally
Communication: Outstanding writing instruction and
recognized leader in quantitative policy analysis, with
tutoring; skills modules in public presentation, social
a carefully sequenced core curriculum in microeconomics,
media, strategic communication, working with the
statistics, and quantitative program evaluation.
press, data visualization and more.
Political and ethical analysis: Core courses teach a
Leadership: A growing strength of the school.
sophisticated understanding of public policy institutions
Competency-based curricula include a focus on
and political processes, and explore the key role of
management and leadership skills. Our innovative
values and ethics in public policy design.
Leadership Initiative offers an array of tools, including leadership assessments, workshops, panels, and executive coaching.
Degree
MPA
MPP
Dual
9-month, mid-career
Two-year Master of
Dual-master’s degrees with other U-M
Master of Public
Public Policy degree
schools and departments including law, business, and education
Affairs degree Core credits
18
24
Varies, based on program
Elective credits
12
24
Varies, based on program
Total credits
30
48
Varies, based on program
Internship
5-credit
Required, between
Required, summer following first year
capstone project
1st and 2nd years
of MPP core coursework
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Ele ct i v es
Poli cy Con c en trati on s
Ford School electives include courses on the history
Students gain depth in an area of interest and
and future of Detroit, the economics of developing
passion through optional policy concentrations,
countries, strategic consulting, the psychology of
which require 9-12 credits and are formally
climate change, smart cities and mobility, thinking
recognized on transcripts:
about crime, poverty and inequality, cybersecurity
•
Public policy and analysis methods
•
Public and nonprofit management
With low administrative barriers between schools,
•
Social policy
students can easily combine their policy courses
•
International policy
with electives offered by the U-M’s outstanding
•
International economic development
policy, the economics of education, and more.
professional schools—including law, business, education and urban planning—and top-ranked social science departments. One-quarter of Ford School credits can be taken outside of the school. See page 22 for more on dual degrees and certificates.
Core MPP courses* Politics of Public Policy (PubPol 510) Statistics (PubPol 529) Microeconomics (PubPol 555) and one of four approved economics courses (PubPol 558, 534, 556, or 744) Values, Ethics, and Public Policy (PubPol 580) Performance Management (PubPol 586) Public Management (PubPol 587) Quantitative Methods of Program Evaluation (PubPol 639) Course on Negotiations or Conflict Resolution (student’s choice) 10-week Summer Internship Integrated Policy Exercise (PubPol 638)
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* Students with sufficient knowledge may place out of statistics or microeconomics via waiver exams administered during orientation.
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Relevance: an applied approach
F
ord School students apply what they’re learning in the classroom through hands-on, practical policy experiences.
At Wo r k i n t he Wo r l d
Con s ulti n g for c redi t
Our required summer internship sends MPP
The Ford School’s strategic public policy consulting
students around the world to work on critical issues
course, offered each semester, gives students
in their policy areas of interest. We help students
the chance to complete a commissioned policy
find internships with an impressive range of
project for a public sector client under the guidance
domestic and international employers and we
of a faculty advisor and external leaders who serve
offer generous stipends when needed.
as mentors. Teams of students work with the client
Established and fully-funded partnerships give Ford School students direct access to highly selective internships in key organizations. Recent internship partnerships include the UN High Commissioner for
to develop a project work plan, collect relevant materials and information, conduct research and analysis, prepare a written report, and present findings and recommendations.
Refugees (UNHCR), the Asia Foundation, the World Bank, and the Michigan Governor’s Office.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
E n gaged Learn i n g Other for-credit opportunities to actively engage with real-world policy issues include our annual China policy course and trip, policy-based community projects in Detroit, and our International Economic Development Program (IEDP). The IEDP allows students to study policy challenges faced by a particular developing economy, and then take a study trip there to meet with policymakers, members of civil society, foreign development agencies, and university students.
The International Economic Development Program lets students learn about and travel to fascinating countries. Recent destinations include Morocco (2019), Senegal (2018), Greece (2017), Cuba (2016), Brazil (2015), Myanmar (2014), and Cape Verde (2013).
A
fter 35 years in public service, I consider career-related mentoring
and advising of students to be one of the most important benefits I bring to the Ford School…and I spend many hours doing this in class, in office hours, and in my work with Graduate Career Services.” A mbassador Melvyn Levitsky (retired), Prof essor of International Policy and Practice
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Senior Advisor, Weiser D iplomacy C enter
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Prepared for immediate impact Divers i t y, e q u i t y, a n d i n c lusi o n In the classroom and beyond, we emphasize collaboration and listening across differences.
Writing Center team: (l-r) Beth Chimera, David Morse, Alex Ralph Not pictured: Molly Spencer
Students at the Ford School represent great diversity—in race and ethnicity, political viewpoints, life experiences, professional interests,
Wri ti n g Cen ter
socioeconomic status, and more. Faculty foster a
The Ford School’s commitment to writing instruc-
collaborative spirit among students, emphasizing
tion is best in class. Our Writing Center’s four
team-based projects and challenging students to
skilled professional instructors offer one-on-one
examine, share, and articulate their views. Our
tutorials and policy-writing modules designed to
graduates are equipped to lead in an increasingly
help students articulate public policy knowledge
diverse world.
in writing that is accurate, logical, and concise.
Skills de ve lo pme n t
Graduate Career Se rvi c es
Our community offers a huge array of opportuni-
Our well-staffed, strategic Graduate Career
ties for acquiring and building key professional
Services and Alumni Relations team helps
skills. Workshops from our Program in Practical
students identify their strengths, explore
Engagement teach students how to be effective
options, market their skills, negotiate with
advocates, how to work with the media, how to
savvy, and build careers of impact.
engage effectively on social media, and more. And our Weiser Diplomacy Center offers simulations on topics such as countering violent extremism, interpreting intelligence data, water diplomacy, and conducting diplomacy across cultural barriers.
We continually evaluate and respond to the ever-changing landscape for policy professionals. We cultivate our many established employer relationships within and outside of our highly engaged alumni body. And each year we grow our employer base to respond to changes in student interests and shifting workforce trends.
» Individualized career coaching » Resume and cover letter reviews » Professional development grants » Networking training » Information sessions with recruiters
» Mock interviews » DC and Detroit career exploration trips » Online career portal » Alumni-in-residence programs » Internship and job search groups
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Robert Hampshire, Associate Professor of Public Policy Expert in policies related to innovative mobility services such as smart parking, connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, bike sharing, and car sharing. Hampshire is currently on leave from the Ford School, serving as
Prominent, accessible faculty
chief science officer for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Poverty and inequality. Trade and economic development. Health and human security. Energy and the environment. Alongside their critical work as teachers and mentors, Ford School faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized experts in vitally important policy areas. They are deeply committed to strengthening the connections between rigorous academic research, real-world policy issues, and the student experience.
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Our faculty
O
ur faculty’s broad and interdisciplinary expertise is demonstrated by the wide range of units with
which they hold joint appointments—including economics, political science, sociology, history, math, business,
social work, education, environment and sustainability, information, public health, and urban planning.
Teac hers an d men tors Brian Jacob, Walter H. Annenberg
While our faculty members are
Professor of Education Policy;
world-class scholars, they are also
Co-Director, Youth Policy Lab
enthusiastic teachers and mentors who prize the school’s close-knit, collaborative community. Our student-faculty ratio is 8:1, and our faculty actively participate in studentorganized events and activities like our annual charity auction.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
E v i de n ce- b as e d p o l i cy m a k i n g Our faculty members do groundbreaking research—identifying new methods for fostering cooperation in the midst of intractable conflicts, slowing the spread of life-threatening diseases, and designing low-cost methods to reduce poverty in developing nations. And they’re deeply engaged in the world of practice. They include senior government advisors, current and former members of the Council of Economic Advisers, leaders of international nonprofits, and more.
Di sti n cti on Our faculty are recognized as among the university’s best. Three of our faculty members hold the highest appointment at the University of Michigan, that of Distinguished University Professor. Twelve of our active faculty members hold named professorships. Many others have been recognized for outstanding mentoring, academic innovation, policy engagement, research,
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and teaching.
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Poli cy Talks @ the Ford Sc hool The Ford School makes Ann Arbor a destination for distinguished policymakers from around the world. Dozens of speakers visit the school each year to speak and meet with students. Recent: (clockwise, from upper left) Janet Yellen, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Kumi Naidoo, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and William Burns
Tows le y Fo u n dat i o n Policym a ke r i n Res i d e n c e
Javed Ali
The Towsley Foundation Policymaker in Residence program brings national and international leaders to campus to join our faculty. They teach graduate-level courses ranging in length from six weeks to a full semester; deliver public lectures; and advise and mentor students on projects, papers, and career plans. Congressman Sandy Levin
Rice photo: The White House
Diplo m ats i n Res i d e n c e Our Weiser Diplomacy Center brings senior diplomats to the Ford School as professors of practice. They offer courses that include strong conceptual content and practical applications. And U-M is one of a very small group of U.S. colleges selected by the State Department to host a Diplomat in Residence (DIR)—a foreign service officer who spends one to two years on site, here at the Ford School.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Centers: research, learning and impact The Program in PractiThe Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) provides local government leaders with trusted, nonpartisan research that helps them discover and adopt innova-
cal Policy Engagement is a university-wide resource that advances public policy through engaged learning, policy research, and policy impact. P3E generates realworld learning opportunities
tive policy solutions.
for students.
The Center for Racial
The International Policy
Justice (CRJ) brings together
Center (IPC) fosters interdis-
social/racial justice change-
ciplinary faculty research and
makers and top scholars and
engages students through
students working at the in-
study trips abroad, an interna-
of active, multi-disciplinary research centers
tersection of race and public
tional speaker series, intern-
and initiatives leveraging the knowledge and
policy to expand knowledge
ships, and other activities.
and pursue better policy
The Ford School and IPC was
solutions.
recognized by APSIA for in-
The Ford School is home to a growing number
expertise across the University of Michigan. They serve as a resource for policymakers and practitioners, academics, students, the media, and the public. They offer numerous engaged learning opportunities for students. And they identify and solve complex challenges facing our communities.
Visit fordschool.umich.edu/research-centers
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novation in international programming and the wide range of opportunities that help graduate students develop professionally.
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The Education Policy Initiative (EPI) engages in rigorous, applied policy research designed to reduce educational disparities and improve Poverty Solutions is finding
The Center on Finance,
student success. EPI houses
new ways to prevent and
Law, and Policy works on
the Michigan Education Data
alleviate poverty through
a broad range of research
Center, which helps researchers
action-based research that
projects focused on creat-
answer important questions
informs policymakers, com-
ing a financial system that
about early childhood education,
munity organizations, and
is safer, fairer, and better
school choice and mobility,
governments about what
harnessed to the real
literacy, P-20 pathways, and
works.
economy.
college success.
The Science, Technology, and
The Youth Policy Lab, a
The Weiser Diplomacy
Public Policy Program (STPP)
partnership with the Institute
Center, our dynamic hub
brings an interdisciplinary lens
for Social Research, uses
for the study and practice of
to producing more equitable
rigorous evaluation design
diplomacy, trains students
and just science and technology
and data analysis to help
interested in international
policies. STPP offers a graduate
community and government
affairs and brings to
certificate that combines techni-
agencies make better deci-
campus a diverse cadre of
cal knowledge with research
sions.
seasoned diplomats.
insights and interdisciplinary
CFLP photo: U.S. Department of Treasury
experiences.
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Consider the possibilities Whether you see yourself managing refugee programs at the United Nations or leading the City of Detroit’s riverfront redevelopment efforts, the Ford School is your first stop. The policy interests of our students and alumni are diverse—local and global, corporate and not-for-profit, educational and economic. What will you do with your Ford School degree?
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Make an impact in DC . . .
T
he Riecker Michigan Delegation Fellowship sends two competi-
tively selected graduate students to Washington, DC each winter to complete a six-month assignment with a senator or representative from the state of Michigan. Fellows receive a living stipend for DC and tuition support for the semester that follows. Myra Lee
Jackson Voss
(MPP ’16)
(MPP ’18)
Internships by Location ● Michigan 35% ● Washington, DC 23% ● International 19% ● Other U.S. 9% ● New York 6% ● California 4%
Grant Newsome
● Illinois 4%
(MPP ’20)
Five-year average (2015–2019)
S ummer i n tern s hi ps Many of our students gain practical experience through their required summer internship. Around 20 percent intern outside of the U.S. each year in organizations such as the World Trade Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, the World Bank, and Innovations for Poverty Action; another 16 percent intern with U.S.-based organizations that deal with international issues.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Make an impact in Detroit . . .
Brian Garcia (MPP/MBA ’16) Betsy Palazzola (MPP ’12)
B
rian and Betsy were David Bohnett
Bohnett internships are fast-paced and
Foundation Leadership and Public
high-impact. Recent interns have worked on
Service Fellows. The Bohnett Fellowship is
parcel imaging for analysis by the Detroit Land
given each year to three incoming graduate
Bank Authority, gaps in early education and
students; it provides two years of in-state
childcare networks in Detroit, expansion of
tuition support and a funded internship in
career centers for people with disabilities, and
the City of Detroit mayor’s office.
community integration programs for recently resettled refugees.
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. . . Or go to work on global challenges
Aprisal Malale (MPP ‘20) Hannah Mesa (MPP/MPH ‘20)
D
irect Relief, a humanitarian aid
As an intern with the Research and Analysis
organization, is active in all 50 states
team at DRI headquarters in Santa Barbara,
and more than 80 countries. Aprisal interned
Hannah used GIS to equip stakeholders with
in his hometown of Sulawesi, Indonesia,
data for critical aid and recovery decisions.
managing Direct Relief’s efforts to rebuild from the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that devastated the region in fall 2018.
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detroit, Michigan
Lansing, Michi gan
New York, new york
Stephanie Chang (MPP/MSW ‘14) Michigan State Senator
Brandy Johnson (MPP ’09) Program Administrator, State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Lisa Stowe (MPP ‘00) Markets Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
A world of possibilities Ford School graduates obtain skills that allow them to pursue their passions, whether close to home or far afield. Our alumni work all across the globe, addressing policy challenges in education, urban revitalization, economic development, foreign affairs, human rights, and many other fields.
Visit fordschool.umich.edu/careers-internships
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Long Beach, California
Washington, DC
Bu enos Aires, argentina
Eric Lopez (PPIA, MPP ’06) Director of Public Works, City of Long Beach
Farouk Ophaso (PPIA, MPP ’06) Chief of Staff, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller), U.S. Department of Defense
Silvana Kostenbaum (MPP/MUP ‘04) Public Sector Specialist, The World Bank
New Delhi, India
Andreas Hatzigeorgiou (MPP ’08) Chief Executive Officer, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce
Steven Corliss (MPP/JD ’88) UNHCR Representative, United Nations Refugee Agency
Tannistha Datta (MPA ’09) Child Protection Specialist, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Lilongwe, Malawi
Kabul, Afghanis tan
Jennifer Bergeson-Lockwood (MPP ’08) Health Development Officer, USAID
Ahmad Javid Ahmadi (MPA ’12) Team Leader, UKAID
Singapore Michael Chapnick (MPA ’00) Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat
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christophe_cerisier, Singapore: prangthip_K, India: hadynyah, Bangladesh: Shutterstock, Malawi: alexerich, Argentina: shutterstock
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Photos: Detroit, Lansing, New York, washington, DC: Mike savitski. other photos istock: stockholm: scanrall, Afghanistan:
Stockholm, Sweden
The Ford School at the University of Michigan
The leaders and best
We’re housed at one of the world’s premier universities: the University of Michigan.
fordschool .u mi ch.e d u
Go Blue
A
university ranked among the best in the world. A city
ranked among America’s best college towns. A diverse, dynamic, and friendly community to call your own. 1,400 student clubs and organizations, bringing vitality and energy to campus. And the University of Michigan’s 644,000 living alumni, transforming communities across the globe.
Aca demi c res ourc es The University of Michigan is home to nineteen graduate Photos: Michigan Photography
schools and colleges; 250 degree programs; 6,700 faculty members; and dozens of world-class academic departments. Remarkably low barriers between schools make it easy for students to register for courses in any department, accessing the full range of the University of Michigan’s intellectual, cultural, and social resources.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
D ua l- de g r ees About 30 percent of Ford School master’s
A leader i n di vers i t y, equi t y, an d i n c lus i on
students pursue dual-degrees while on
The University of Michigan and the Ford School
campus. We offer dozens of dual degree
are nearing the end of a five year strategic plan
options with business, law, public health,
for diversity, equity, and inclusion—a collective
social work, urban planning, environment
vision for change based on the conviction that
and sustainability, and more.
excellence is not possible without diversity in the broadest sense of the word. We are proud of the work that we have accomplished, but
Cert i f icat es
know there is still much to do. In Spring 2021,
U-M hosts an enormous variety of certifi-
the Ford School engaged faculty, staff, and
cate programs that let students integrate
students to reflect on and identify DEI priorities
high-quality interdisciplinary resources
for the next two years.
into their education. Rackham’s 52 certificate programs include specializations such as data science, complex systems,
Michigan’s rankings
environmental justice, African studies, survey methodology, sustainability, spatial analysis, and healthy cities. The Ford School itself offers a graduate certificate in science, technology, and
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#
U.S. Public University
#
Best Values in Public Colleges
public policy.
QS World University Rankings, 2020–21
Kiplinger 2019
#
Best College Towns in the U.S. Forbes, 2019
102
Graduate Programs in the Top 10
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U.S. News & World Report, 2020
Photo: Aubrey Sitler (MPP ‘16)
Akan Arabic Armenian Bambara Hebrew Hindi Indonesian Persian Polish Portuguese Punjabi Sanskrit Swahili Swedish Thai Tibetan Turkish Ukranian Urdu Uzbek Wolof Yiddish Zulu
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Global M i c hi gan African Studies Center, Center for European Studies, Center for Japanese Studies, Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies, Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies, and many more. U-M hosts seventeen outstanding area studies centers and programs that offer classes, research funding, and degree programs. Eduardo García (MPP ’17) in Cuba for the International Economic Development Program
More than 40 languages are taught at the University of Michigan, including an impressive array of less-commonly taught languages. Full-time Ford School students can take undergraduate language classes without charge. U-M’s English Language Institute offers language, academic, and intercultural instruction for international graduate students and scholars.
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Join a powerful network
From the day our students set foot on campus, they’re part of a great community dedicated to the public good: close-knit and active while in school, connected and committed long after graduation.
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Our students
W
Students who choose the Ford School are passionately
we offer a friendly, close-knit community
the policy decisions that affect their neighborhoods,
in which every student matters.
their countries, and people around the globe.
ith just around 130 master’s students matriculating each year,
interested in public affairs. They want to help shape
Our student body is diverse across a broad spectrum of dimensions. On average, international students make up 20 percent of our graduate student body, and 30 percent of our domestic students come from groups historically underrepresented in policymaking.
MPP
Student organizations govern, lead public service initiatives, host speakers, and build community.
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2021 Class Profiles
MPA
Incoming class size
22
Average age
34
21–48
Age range
27–64
13%
Non-U.S.
18%
28%
Domestic Students of Color
27%
62%
Female
41%
38%
Male
59%
4.3
Years of work experience
14 Countries of origin
11 4
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Our city
Ann Arbor Ann Arbor is one of the United States’ great college towns. Liveable, energetic and intellectual, attracting students from all over the country and the world, the city features outdoor concert series, farmers’ markets, and schools that have won national recognition for their excellence.
Downtown, you’ll find museums, restaurants,
Ann Arbor is within an
music venues, and independent bookstores,
hour drive of Detroit and
as well as comic shops and movie theaters. Just beyond downtown, students find recreation options on the beautiful Huron River, along with dozens of miles of running trails
New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C. are ninety
renowned park system.
minutes away by plane.
Best Small College Towns in America WalletHub.com, 2021
Best Cities to Live in America
#
2
Top Places to Live livability.com, 2020
Photos: Michigan Photography
Niche.com, 2019
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Chicago and Toronto.
in the Nichols Arboretum and in the city’s
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less than five hours from
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Our alumni
A
s a graduate of the Ford School—the nation’s first public administration graduate program and one of its most
prominent—you’ll join a powerful and growing network of alumni engaged in public service and leadership positions around the world. Ford School alumni are deeply involved with the school as volunteers. They help current students define their career interests and build their professional networks.
Because Ford School alumni are some of the best
• We organize annual career exploration trips to
resources available to students, we coordinate dozens
DC and Detroit, where alumni host panels at their
of alumni-engaged professional development activities
workplaces to offer career context and advice
each year: • Our Alumni in Residence program brings accom-
• Students and alumni network in more social settings, too, including our annual Worldwide
plished alumni back to campus to hold office hours
Ford School Spirit Day, where alumni host events
and support students through resume reviews,
in cities around the globe.
mock interviews, and career conversations.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
A master’s or a PhD? The MPP program prepares graduates for professional careers in policy advocacy and public affairs; program implementation; analysis and research; and evaluation in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The MPA is a 9-month degree designed to enhance the analytic abilities and communication and management skills of experienced professionals with at least five years of work experience. Our highly competitive PhD program prepares graduates for careers as faculty members in a social science department or professional school or senior research analysts in think tanks, government or intergovernmental agencies. More at fordschool.umich.edu/phd.
Admissions ov e rv ie w The Ford School seeks MPP/MPA applicants from a diversity of academic and professional backgrounds. We emphasize the applicant’s academic performance as an undergraduate, demonstrated commitment to public policy, potential for graduate studies, statement of purpose, relevant work experience, range of courses taken, and faculty and employer evaluations.
Speak with u s We welcome your questions. Please chat with us this fall at an online graduate fair. You are also welcome to call or email us and we will respond to your inquiry promptly. Details: fordschool.umich.edu/ask-us
Application deadlines January 15 for MPP and MPA programs December 15 for PhD program
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Co st (per academic year)
In-state Out-of-state
Tuition and fees
$30,452
$51,936
Housing and food
$16,998
$16,998
Books and supplies
$1,192
$1,192
Personal and miscellaneous
$6,574
$6,574
Total cost
$55,219
$76,700
Fellowshi p s a n d f i na n c i a l a i d The Ford School offers financial assistance through merit-based fellowships. These fellowships—available to both domestic and international applicants—are awarded with admission. In previous years, about 60 percent of each entering class received some level of fellowship support. With tremendous and growing support from donors who believe in our students’ potential, we are building our list of top-notch competitive fellowships, such as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Fellowship, the Weiser Diplomacy Center Fellowship, and the David Bohnett Foundation Leadership and Public Service Fellowship. In addition, Ford School students have been successful seeking university fellowships, graduate student instructor (GSI) positions (teaching assistantships), and graduate student research assistantships. Dozens of our students receive Ford School GSI positions each year. (University of Michigan GSI packages are generous, including not only tuition, but also a living stipend and health insurance coverage.) The University of Michigan also provides need-based financial support in the form of subsidized loans and work-study funding. You are welcome to contact a Ford School advisor for more information.
We have a lot to talk about. Please join the conversation! @fordschool
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
“There may be no greater honor than to have a school bear your name. Such recognition means all the more when it comes from an institution that you love, and when it is dedicated—not to me personally—but to the cause of public service to which I have devoted most of my life.” Gera ld R . Fo r d 1913–2006 On the occasion of the dedication of Joan and Sanford Weill Hall, October 13, 2006 38th President of the United States; AB ’35 and HLLD ’74, University of Michigan
MEGAN NESTOR (MPP ’19) earned the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Fellowship—a full graduate fellowship offered to the most exceptional in-state Ford School applicants. Before graduate school, Megan spent close to a decade working with nonprofit organizations that combat the systemic inequities facing low-income students of color, and serving as program director of The Opportunity Network and as an avid volunteer for the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Youth Opportunities Program. “After my experiences at the Ford School,” says Megan, “I know that I want to work in a city that I care deeply about. I want to focus on policies that make a direct impact on peoples’ lives.”
Contact info Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy University of Michigan Joan and Sanford Weill Hall 735 South State Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-3091 734-764-3490 734-763-9181 fax fordschool.umich.edu
Student and Academic Services: 734-764-0453 Graduate Career Services: 734-615-9557 Development: 734-615-3892 Alumni Relations: 734-615-5760 Communications and Outreach: 734-615-9691
Regents of the University of Michigan Jordan B. Acker, Huntington Woods Michael J. Behm, Grand Blanc Mark J. Bernstein, Ann Arbor Paul W. Brown, Ann Arbor Sarah Hubbard, Okemos Denise Ilitch, Bingham Farms Ron Weiser, Ann Arbor Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor Mark S. Schlissel, ex officio © 2021 The Regents of the University of Michigan A Non-discriminatory, Affirmative Action Employer